What is Intestinal Obstruction, or Bowel Obstruction?
An intestinal obstruction — also called a bowel obstruction — is a condition that’s common in dogs. When we consider a dog’s habit of eating just about anything they can find, which includes non-food objects, it’s no surprise that they can become regularly affected by stomach and bowel issues. Let’s be kind to our canine friends and just call them ‘indiscriminate eaters’, shall we?
A bowel obstruction can be either a complete or partial blockage of fluid and food flow through the small intestines. This blockage typically leads to a decrease of blood supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can have serious consequences: it can lead to the necrosis (death) of intestinal tissue and potential perforation.
Bacteria from the bowels can also spill into the abdominal cavity, which causes septic peritonitis.
Bacteria from the bowels can also spill into the abdominal cavity, which causes septic peritonitis.
A bowel obstruction in dogs can be extremely painful, and far worse — if left untreated it can be a fatal condition. Learn more about this condition, including to identify the signs of intestinal blockage in dogs.
Regular check-ups with a licensed vet can help to prevent more serious conditions from developing. Find out more about a Wellness Plan — get the right plan for your pup now.
Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Average Cost
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Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
Intestinal or bowel obstruction in dogs can be relatively easy to identify, with a range of different symptoms. Would you know how to tell if your dog has a blockage?
Here are some of the most common signs a dog has something stuck in its stomach.
Here are some of the most common signs a dog has something stuck in its stomach.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Straining during bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Tarry stools
- Inability to defecate
- Lethargy
- Burping
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Remaining still
- Refusing to lie down
Types of bowel obstruction in dogs
An intestinal or bowel obstruction in dogs can refer to two different types of blockage.
These are:
These are:
- Gastric outflow obstruction – Obstruction of fluid and food movement from the stomach to the small intestine.
- Small intestinal obstruction – Obstruction of fluid and food movement through the small intestine.
Causes of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
There’s a range of likely causes for the occurrence of both types of bowel obstruction in dogs.
Gastric outflow obstruction
Causes of gastric outflow obstruction can include:
Causes of gastric outflow obstruction can include:
- Ingestion of objects that can’t be broken down by the digestive system. In other words, stuff your dog’s eaten that it really should have. The list here is endless, but typically includes rawhides and bones (big chunks), toys, clothes, towels, stuffed animals, rocks, sticks, tennis balls, shoelaces, hair ties/bands, ribbons… you get the idea!
- Abdominal tumors or growths
- Gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and small intestine
- Pyloric stenosis — narrowing of the pyloric sphincter
- Gastric dilatation volvulus — known as GDV or bloat, this is a condition where the stomach twists
Small intestinal obstruction
The causes of small intestinal obstruction can also include some of those contributory factors in gastric outflow obstruction — namely, your dog eating unsuitable objects, an abdominal tumor and gastroenteritis.
Other causes include:
The causes of small intestinal obstruction can also include some of those contributory factors in gastric outflow obstruction — namely, your dog eating unsuitable objects, an abdominal tumor and gastroenteritis.
Other causes include:
- Intestinal parasites
- Intestinal stricture — a narrowing of the intestine
- Hernia
- Intussusception — a folding of the intestine
Diagnosis of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
If you suspect your dog has swallowed something large, sharp, indigestible and potentially harmful, don’t hesitate to visit your vet immediately. If you don’t witness anything but can see some of the signs that your dog has something stuck in its stomach, it’s critical to see your veterinarian for an examination.
A physical examination will allow the vet to reach a diagnosis. This might include checking the abdomen to determine the presence of any masses, intussusception, pain or foreign objects. You’ll be asked whether your pet has had any access to any dangerous items, or could have raided the trash.
If the vet thinks there could be an intestinal obstruction, blood testing may take place to potentially confirm an infection. Abdominal radiographs can aid in visualizing foreign bodies, tumors and abnormal bowels, so the vet gets a clear picture of what’s affecting your dog.
Ultrasound is another tool that can help to identify the presence of an obstruction and its location within the dog’s body.
Your veterinarian may order a Barium series. Barium sulfate is a metallic compound that shows up on x-ray. If the barium is blocked from flowing or is delayed in movement, this can indicate an obstruction and help to pinpoint its location.Ultrasound is another tool that can help to identify the presence of an obstruction and its location within the dog’s body.
If diagnostics indicate an intestinal obstruction, exploratory surgery (laparotomy) can be performed (often the same day) to locate and remove the obstruction.
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Treatment of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
Once an intestinal or bowel obstruction in dogs has been diagnosed, treatment is required — and in some cases, this needs to be urgent. Treatment options will vary, depending on the root cause of the bowel obstruction affecting your dog. A typical treatment process includes:
Induce Vomiting
If your dog’s intestinal obstruction has been caused by ingesting something, the vet may be able to induce vomiting to reject the foreign object. The pet will be sent home and should be monitored to check on appetite, any further vomiting and normal bowel movements (to ensure all potential danger of obstruction was eliminated through vomiting).
Depending on the severity of the situation, and when the diagnosis was made, vomiting might not be sufficient treatment. Prognosis can be good if an intestinal obstruction is caught and treated early, but poor if much time has been allowed to lapse.
Hospitalization and Stabilization
An intestinal obstruction can be life-threatening. In some cases, once diagnosis is made, the pet will be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids to aid in hydration and electrolyte restoration.
If an obstruction appears it may pass, the veterinarian may use fluid therapy and medical therapy to attempt to speed up the process. Continued radiographs can help in examining movement of the object.
If an obstruction appears it may pass, the veterinarian may use fluid therapy and medical therapy to attempt to speed up the process. Continued radiographs can help in examining movement of the object.
Laparotomy
Gastric dilatation volvulus requires immediate surgery — which can involve a process called a laparotomy, which is performed in the abdominal area. Here, foreign objects or masses that are obstructing the intestines will be removed, as well as any necrotic tissue. The dog will undergo general anesthesia throughout the surgery: the stomach and/or small intestines will be opened to remove the foreign object/mass or to correct any abnormal folding.
Resection and Anastomosis
Any dead intestinal tissue will be identified and removed. The intestines will be closed and examined for possible spots of leakage. If this procedure must be performed, the probability of post-operative complications increases.
Gastropexy
In the case of gastric dilatation volvulus, the stomach may be sutured to the intestinal wall to prevent recurrence. Some deep-chested dogs (Great Danes, sight hounds, such as the Irish Wolfhound) have this surgery as a preventative measure.
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Recovery of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
After surgery, the pet patient might be hospitalized for two to three days to monitor stability — this is an invasive surgery. Antibiotics, pain medications and anti-emetics (anti-nausea medications) will be administered via injection. Oral medications are likely to be continued following release.
After surgery, it’s important to keep your pet well rested for a few weeks. Food is often withheld for a period of time and then a bland diet is introduced in small amounts every few hours. The portion sizes are gradually increased over two to three days and the diet is then transitioned back to the normal diet gradually over seven days.
During this time, It’s important to monitor your pet for vomiting, appetite, and bowel movements and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian.
Ingestion of foreign objects can lead to costly veterinary bills. Keep pets from chewing things they could swallow or tear up and then swallow. Be especially careful with trash bins – keep them in a closed closet or use a secure lid so your dog can’t get access to them.
Cost of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
The veterinarian will most likely perform a physical exam first which can cost $50 to $100 on average. The doctor may require blood testing to determine any infections. Blood testing can cost between $50 and $400. An abdominal radiograph may be necessary for a better view of what and where the object is. This test can cost between $150 and $400.
If the doctor needs a better view, she may order an ultrasound that can cost $230 to $400. Once the veterinarian has concluded the cause and location of the obstruction, she will start treatment. The dog will need to be hospitalized with intravenous fluids, which can be quite costly, depending on medications needed and response to therapy. If the veterinarian needs to perform a laparotomy, this will require a general anesthesia and can cost between $500 and $5000, depending on how diseased the intestines are. Finally, your dog will need a variety of medications along the way, and once released from the hospital.
If the doctor needs a better view, she may order an ultrasound that can cost $230 to $400. Once the veterinarian has concluded the cause and location of the obstruction, she will start treatment. The dog will need to be hospitalized with intravenous fluids, which can be quite costly, depending on medications needed and response to therapy. If the veterinarian needs to perform a laparotomy, this will require a general anesthesia and can cost between $500 and $5000, depending on how diseased the intestines are. Finally, your dog will need a variety of medications along the way, and once released from the hospital.
Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Average Cost
From 220 quotes ranging from $800 - $7,000
Average Cost
$3,000
Top
Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Jack Russell Terrier
Mambo
10 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
I have a 10 year old Jack Russell Terrier, I can hear his tummy rumbles, but he absolutely refuses to eat until I get home. Then for the last couple of days when he eats, he throws up. He is still drinking, has plenty of energy to play, no blood or tarry stools. How long do I wait to take him to the vet. I can not promise he didn't eat some of the wild grape vines in the backyard.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
I would take him to see your Veterinarian because the cause of the vomiting could be due to an obstruction, congenital defect (aortic arch) or irritation to the gastrointestinal tract which could be infectious, poisonous or systemic in nature. If you suspect he ate some vines or anything else, again you should visit your Veterinarian. Not eating when you’re not at home is common occurrence in dogs (my own included, as soon as I get home he jumps to say hello and then goes to eat). Again, visit your Veterinarian (may include x-rays) and if you have an indication of the time between eating and vomiting, this would be useful to assist in the diagnosis; also if Mambo hasn’t yet been vaccinated, start the process if he is healthy enough. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
My dog’s situation is similar, I guess. I know what he ate, but he kept throwing up. His behaviors were normal, and his stool was fine. But, they said it was likely a partial blockage, which should resolve itself with the help of a low fat and low fiber diet for a little while. I’m still really nervous but I hope this helps you.
May 26, 2018
Bethany B.
Since my pup was 9 weeks Throwing up bile not eating lethargic
Might get a sonagramme tried everything else under Vet care
Aug. 1, 2018
Berghorn S.
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Samson
6 Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
If a dog has a blockage how long before we notice symptoms?
July 26, 2017
4 Recommendations
There is no fixed timeframe for symptoms of an obstruction to occur, there are multiple factors involved including cause of obstruction, size of obstruction, location of obstruction and if there is any ischemia of the intestines. Signs to look out for are lack of appetite, vomiting after eating, diarrhoea, weakness and pain. If Samson has only diarrhoea, this may be caused by multiple causes: infections, poisons, dietary changes for example; ensure that he remains hydrated. If you suspect Samson ate a foreign body, the diarrhoea gets worse or you see additional symptoms, you should visit your Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Girdardia test. I had same thing to happen.
July 26, 2017
Shelia P.
Hi I have A Yorkie my son let her out accidentally she osc'arin 6 months and she has been having vomiting and bloody diahreeah took her to the vet and she came out negative for parvo or parasites she was keept overnight and was given iv aND medicine took hey home with no improvement her stools are steel bloody buthe now have blood clots. At the beginning she thru up horse manure I figured that's what made her sick. I'm scared to loose her I'm already out 400 dlrs but can't afford hospital
July 26, 2017
Carolina H.
My labradoodle was the same.. had to have exploratory surgery. They checked his stomach thinking he ate something he shouldnt have according to the xray but found the stomach was empty. Looked at his intestines and saw they were not moving at all and were a gray purple color instead of healthy pink. They untangled them and his heart rate dropped to more normal and they started to get more color and start moving again. He would have died. He is still not out of the woods but i hope he is on hos way to a full recovery and will be healthy.
Sept. 5, 2017
Tasha S.
my dog swallowed his bumble bee toy two weeks ago and just suddenly stsarted throwing up one morning, then all day.. i opted for fluids and anti-nausea at first ($165) and brought him home. That night and the next morning his breathing got heavy and he seemed very uncomfortable, restless.. I took him back to the emergency vet and they ran blood work and did an x-ray ($500). They say his stomach looks distended and he has has pockets and it’s obvious the problem is a blockage and he’s going to need surgery. Took him to my regular vet at half the cost but he needed the extra bit of intestines taken out so to have the surgery and meds it was $1900. Then they all suggest he stay overnight at a place to be monitored and given pain meds and that COULD cost up to $900 but i had to pay the low end $596 as a deposit. Now here’s to hoping i can bring him home today.
I will stress that he showed absolutely no signs until all of a sudden he starts throwing up, he was pooping regularly even up until taking him in!
i also wanted to comment to show people how expensive it was for my little 19lb Lhasa.. the numbers in the article must not be adjusted for this century.
Feb. 3, 2018
Andrea L.
The Veterinary costs posted above are not accurate. I have a dog in surgery right now for an exploratory laparotomy. First 24 hours (pain meds, IV fluids, observation and radiographs) were estimated $1300-1400. The vet just called me, and dog is going into emergency surgery for a foreign body in small intestine and sharp decline in dogs well being. Surgery estimate was $2800-5500.
Aug. 7, 2018
Nancy C.
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Labrador Retriever
Daphne
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Flatulence
Poor Appetite
We have a 4.5 year old Lab Mix who stole and ate corn cobs 2 days ago. She hasn't eaten her kibble we put out this morning (it's now 11pm) and she's having terrible smelling gas. Should I be worried about a blockage?
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
Daphne will need to visit her Veterinarian immediately as corncobs aren’t digestible and will attempt to pass ‘as is’ through the gastrointestinal system causing obstruction, pain and may lead to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Please treat as an Emergency and visit a Veterinarian for surgical removal. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Average Cost
From 220 quotes ranging from $800 - $7,000
Average Cost
$3,000
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